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Caffeine Drug Interactions

by on June 13, 2012

Caffeine is commonly found in different foods and beverages. Caffeine is known to interact with a total of 82 drugs, of which 11 can lead to major interactions. Since it can cause interactions, patients who are on drug therapy should take caffeine with caution.

Significant Drug Interactions

Here are some drugs that can cause significant interaction when taken with caffeine:

Alcohol Abuse Deterrent – Disulfiram can interfere with the excretion of caffeine. Taking it with caffeine may increase the risk of side effects such as headache, jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and others.

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Antiarhythmic Drugs – These drugs are used to treat abnormal heart rhythm or heart beat. Caffeine can block their effect. Stop consuming caffeine if you are taking or about to take this drug.

  • Adenosine (Adenocard)

Antibiotic Drugs – Some antibiotics (particularly quinolone class) can affect the metabolism of caffeine. Combining them with caffeine may increase the risk of caffeine side effects such as headache, jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and others.

  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Enoxacin (Penetrex)
  • Norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin)
  • Sparfloxacin (Zagam)
  • Trovafloxacin (Trovan)
  • Grepafloxacin (Raxar)

Anti-depressant Drugs – These drugs have stimulant effects. Combining them with caffeine increases the risk of serious side effects such as high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, nervousness, and others.

  • MAOI drugs such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Antiulcer Drugs – Antiulcer drugs can affect the metabolism and excretion of caffeine. Combining them with caffeine may increase the risk of caffeine side effects such as headache, jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and others.

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Antiplatelet Drug – Caffeine might interfere with the mechanism of action of dipyridamole which is often given to individuals who are undergoing cardiac stress test. Avoid taking caffeine-containing products at least 24 hours before using this drug.

  • Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Antipsychotic Drugs – Caffeine can affect the metabolism of drugs that affect central nervous system. Combining caffeine with antipsychotic drugs can lead to increased side effects.

  • Clozapine (Clozaril)

Brochodilator Drug – The effects of these drugs are akin with caffeine. In addition, caffeine can also decrease the excretion of this drug which can increase the pharmacologic effects and side effects of bronchodilators.

  • Theophylline (Aerolate, Slo-bid, Theo-Dur)

Calcium Channel Blockers – These drugs are used to treat heart problems. Caffeine can decrease the body’s metabolism of these drugs thereby increasing the risk of caffeine side effects such as headache, jitteriness, and a rapid heartbeat.

  • Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin Verelan)

Drugs that Slow Blood Clotting – Caffeine can possibly slow blood clotting. Combining caffeine with these drugs can result in increased bleeding time. Watch out for symptoms such as bleeding or bruising.

  • Aspirin
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
  • Naproxen (Anaprox, Aleve, Naprosyn, others)
  • Dalteparin (Fragmin)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
  • Heparin
  • Warfarin (Coumadin)

Estrogen – Estrogen-containing birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy drugs can interfere with the excretion of caffeine. Taking it with caffeine may increase the risk of caffeine side effects such as headache, jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and others.

  • Conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin)
  • Ethinyl estradiol
  • Estradiol

Lithium – Caffeine can increase the metabolism and excretion of lithium. If you take lithium together with caffeine-containing products, slowly taper off your daily caffeine intake. Suddenly stopping caffeine can increase side effects.

Sedative agents – Since caffeine has stimulant effects, taking it with sedatives and sleep aides can reduce or block its intended pharmacologic effects.

  • Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Stimulant Drugs – Caffeine is considered as a psychoactive drug. When taken with stimulants it can lead too much stimulation and can lead to serious side effects and heart problems. Caffeine should not be combined with any stimulant drug.

  • Ephedrine
  • Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
  • Epinephrine
  • Phentermine (Ionamin)
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • Other drugs with stimulant effects such as phenylpropanolamine

Other Drug Interactions

Some drugs and substances that can potentially interact with caffeine include:

  • Alcohol
  • Other birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs)
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
  • Mexiletine (Mexitil)
  • Terbinafine (Lamisil)

This drug information may not list all drugs that can potentially interact with Claritin. Discuss with your healthcare provider possible drug interactions that apply to you.

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